Yam Bam (Sweet Potato Pie In A Glass)

As promised, here it is... my recipe for the crowd pleasing "Yam Bam". If you love sweet Potato pie and egg nog, you're gonna want to slap your granny after tasting this creamy treat. And the best thing?... It's really good for you. This toe curling delight can be served as a smoothie or after dinner dessert drink.

½ Frozen Organic Banana
½ cup to 1 cup of Organic Baked Yams (with skin)
1T Agave (or to taste)
1+1/2 cup of Vanilla Soy Milk (or almond milk)
1T Vanilla Favor (or dropper full of vanilla liquid stevia)
½ t Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice
1 Scoop of Vanilla Protein Power (optional)

Place everything in blender. Start on low and gradually bring to high. Stop and add 4to 6 Ice Cubes blend on crush ice. Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.
Enjoy!!!

Love, Carmen

A Note To Rebecca (Just take the first step.)

Hello friends. I've been gone awhile I know. I needed to direct my focus on creating my new website and fabulicious programs for divine health & wellness. I can't wait to share everything with you.

My lovely new friend Rebecca sent me a comment about my 4 Day Raw Organic Cleanse. I wanted to address it because I believe many of you feel the same way. You want to change your eating and cleanse your body, and you know in your spirit that you should BUT...
Trust me I do understand. Years back I began experiencing an intestinal condition similar to that of my dad, who had passed away from stomach cancer. Around that time I had also developed at blood disorder from living in black mole-infested environments. I knew that these problems along with reoccurring eczema had to be cut off at the root. I also knew that cleansing my blood through a serious detox and diet change was my only hope. Years came and went, with one reason after the next not to give up sugar, dairy, unhealthy meat and all refined foods long enough for my body to heal. If only I knew back then that all I had to do was detox for a week or so and follow it with a 50% raw organic / 50% gluten and sugar free cooked-food lifestyle. The problem was, I had no idea what gluten free and healthy sugar free food options where. I didn't know that I could still have my afternoon tea with cookies and cake. I didn't know that I didn't have to live on rabbit food for the rest of my life.

All I'm saying is that you have so many amazing, delicious food options that can slim you down, give you energy and heal your body. Just take that first step in the right direction and know that I will be there for you.

Love, Carmen
P.S. The picture above is a delicious appetizer I through together with a veggie/barley/lentils "meat" I made, on brown rice tortillas with organic salad and my homemade sweet mustard dressing. (I'm chasing the yum!)

4 Day Raw Organic Cleanse Wrap Up

I had planned on updating you with what I was eating and experiencing each day of my 4 day Raw Organic Cleanse. As it turned out I felt it was more important to focus on how-to content. Many of you needed more time to prepare. Not to worry. The important thing is you are raising your vibration simply by making cleansing your intent. Now it's time to make your shopping list for the health food store and plan all of your meals. Believe me it's easier than you think. Please be sure to go back to my posts starting from this past Monday, March 2nd for tips, recipes and inspiration.
Okay so let me show you just some of the things I've prepared and have eaten during the last 4 days.


This is my health tonic. It's like the "lemonade diet" tea on steroids. It's great in the winter because it rids the body of mucus naturally. And it tastes fabulicious!


Fresh fruit is all you really need in the morning. This actually filled me up.


I topped this fresh organic salad with my Chunky Monkey Guacamole and homemade dressing.


Now doesn't this look sweet and yummy? Tell me, what more do you really need for lunch or even dinner?


This chocolate pudding is outrageous. Can you guess what it's made with? I bet not. Its recipe is 1 ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of cacao (raw chocolate), agave, pure vanilla and an avocado, whipped in my food processor. You read right. It's raw, organic and delicious!

HOMEMADE NUT BUTTERS

My precious niece reminded me of the nut butter recipe I said I would post. She lives in Tennessee and I miss her. I'm so proud of how totally committed she is to her organic cleanse. She emailed me saying she was going to Whole Foods to shop. I'm extremely grateful to the Lord that I may have some part of her making a demand on her life's destiny. A demand to proper and be in health, even as her soul prospers.
Now it's time to get a little nutty.

ALMOND AND CASHEW BUTTERS
Almond and cashew nut butters are absolutely delish, and oh so good for you. What a perfect alternative to the name brand sort. This recipe is vegan, gluten free and sugar free, and trust me your kids will love it too. Raw organic nut butter is high in protein and essential fats (a good thing for skin, nervous system and your brain) and enzymes because it’s raw. Regular peanut butter is not because the roasting process denatures it. Here we go.

2 Cups of Almonds or Cashews (soaked for 6 to 8 hours and dried)
¼ Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar (Optional)
Oil (any healthy oil of your choice as need)

Grind dry nuts to a powder in Vita-Mixer or coffee grinder. If a few chucks remain butter will be chunky. Don’t bend too long or Vita-Mix will heat will denature the nuts. To avoid this you can pre-freeze nuts in Vita-Mix container before blending. Once in powder form pour into food processor. While mixing add salt and agave. Add oil 1 tablespoon of oil in at a time. Stop when butter looks at bit runny. Natural butter thickens when refrigerated. Place in jar and keep in fridge.

SPROUTING 101

Hi friends. As promised here’s the skinny on sprouting. I began my love for sprouting back when I went shopping at my first health food store. I was in high school and living with my two older sisters. I just had a natural unction to be healthy back then. Sadly, I did’t continue my love affair with healthy living once I began college. My poor food choices along with environmental conditions took their toll on me eventually. In any event, the purpose for soaking (most nuts just require soaking) and sprouting is to activate the enzymes to bring out the amazing life giving, nutrients of raw seeds, nuts, grains and legumes. Soaking and sprouting also increases their digestibility. Another good thing about sprouting is that it is economical. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds can yield 2 pounds of sprouts. Some say that sprouts are the perfect food because they are alkaline energy food. In addition they are so rich in vitamins and minerals. What’s more is their proteins, carbs and fats are broken down into a usable form.

Soak seeds, nuts, grains and legumes by placing them on a large enough bowl that will allow you to cover them completely with purified water. Soak overnight or for at lease 8 hours. The next morning, or after 8 hours pour them into a colander for rinsing. Rinse completely. Nuts and seeds only require this process to made them ready to eat or use in recipes. I prefer to spread them out on a large flat pan or cookie sheet that has been covered with paper towel. They will dry free from mole this way. If using them right away in a recipe it does’t matter it they are wet. As for grains and legumes after 1st rinsing you will have to leave them in the colander covered with paper toweling, away from bright sun another 8 hours. Repeat the rinsing process for at lease 2 days, 2 to 3 times per day until they actually sprout. Drain and place paper towel underneath them and store in the fridge. Sprouts will keep about 4 to 5 days. It's gonna be FUN!!
Blissful Blessings, Carmen

MORE RAW VEGAN DELIGHTS

Here we go - more raw vegan delights for you to enjoy next week. You see, you won't starve. You will need to decide on what you want to make and prepare a shopping list. I highly suggest shopping at your best local health food store. Everything in these recipes are super nutritious, healing and life giving. These items will be the start of your glorious "food for life pantry".

CHUNKY MONKEY GUACAMOLE LETTUCE WRAP
2 Organic Avocados (diced into medium chunks)
¼ Cup of Organic Onions (diced medium/small pieces)
1 Medium Organic Tomato (diced medium/small pieces)
2 Tablespoons Organic Olive Oil
Sea Salt (to taste)
Finely Chopped Cilantro (Optional)

[Gently mix together and wrap in any soft green lettuce leaves.]

COULD BE TUNA SALAD
½ Cup Raw Soaked Sunflower Seeds or Almonds
3 ¼ Cups Of Assorted Sprouts
½ Cup Onions (diced)
2 Celery Stalks (diced)
1 Sheet of Nori (cut up in small pieces)or ¼ Cup Seaweed
1 to 2 Cloves of Garlic (grated)
1 Tablespoon Kelp
4 Teaspoons of Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (or sea salt to taste)
½ Cup *Avocado Mayo
[Puree seeds or nuts in food processor until fine and scoop into a large bowl. Next place sprouts, onions, celery, nori and garlic into processor and pulse chop just to mix and add to puree. Now add kelp, lemon juice, old bay, braggs liquid aminos and blend until smooth. Finally mix in nut butter or avocado mayo. Wrap in any soft green leaf lettuce or nappa cabbage with sliced tomato or enjoy over salad]

CARMEN’S ORGANIC COLESLAW
4 Cups of Organic Green or nappa Cabbage (shredded)
1 Cup of Organic Carrots (shredded)
¼ Cup Organic Raisins (Optional)
½ Organic Red Onion (thinly sliced)
¼ Cup *Avocado Mayo
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar or Honey
½ Tablespoon Mustard and or Celery Seeds
Sea Salt and Pepper (to taste)

[Place cabbage, carrots, raisins and onions in bowl and set aside. Next place vinegar, agave, and spices into another bowl and mix together. / Finally spoon mixture into bowl with the cabbage and toss until all is combined. Refridgerate]

* AVOCADO MAYO
You can also call this green mayo.
1 Cup Pine Nuts
1 Large or 2 Small Avocados
1 Teaspoon Lemon Jiuce
2 Teaspoons Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds (Optional)
6 Medium Pitted Dates
1 Clove of Garlic

[Blend in blender on food processor until creamy. Keep in fridge]
Tomorrow I’ll post a how-to on sprouting and making your own easy, nut butters and nut cream for creating creamy dressings, sauces and desserts.

Stay encouraged, you can do this. Please let me know how I can help.
And don't forget to signup for my newsletter below.
Blissful Blessings, Carmen

RAW ORGANIC CLEANSE [Liquid Meal Replacements]

AUNT DOT'S DETOX TONIC
This stuff is like the Lemonade Diet drink on steroids. Not only is it a great immune booster and detoxifier it's a great liquid meal replacement. To use as a body cleanse, have in place of 2 to 3 meals per day.
½ Fresh Squeezed Lemon
Dash of Cayenne Pepper
½ Teaspoon Grated Ginger (optional)
1 to 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic Unpasteurized)
Grade B Organic Maple Syrup

THE GREEN SMOOTHIE
Place Into High Speed Blender…
Organic Spinach (1 to 2 hand fulls)
1 Organic Apple (whole)
1 Ripe Organic Banana (frozen is nice)
½ Cup of Fresh or Frozen Organic Berries
½ Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract or 1 pack of French Vanilla Stevia Powder
½ Cup of Ice (judge the amount)
1 Cup of Water, or Almond or Vanilla Soy Milk
[SuperFoods]
1 Tablespoon of Hemp Seed Oil (optional)
1 to 2 Tablespoons of Organic Green Powder (optional)

Blend well in your high power blender. Drink 8oz. Chew your juice though tempted to gulp (yum yum). Save the rest covered in fridge for later.


CHOCOLATE (CACAO) SHAKE (Cacao is raw organic chocolate. It’s one of the Superfoods and sooo good for you. It’s the healthy,guilt-free way to eat chocolate)
1 Ripe Organic Banana
1 Organic Apple (whole)
¼ of Cup Soaked Raw Organic Sunflower Seeds
or 2 Tablespoons of Nut Cream (see recipe)
or 1 Cup Vanilla Soy Milk
1 Cup Water
½ Cup Ice
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract or 1 pack of French Vanilla Stevia Powder
1/2 Cup Organic Frozen Dark Sweet Cherries (optional)
1 Tablespoon of Cacao Powder (add more if needed)
[Superfoods]
1 Tablespoon of Hemp or Flax Seed Oil (optional)
Serving of Vanilla Protein Powder (optional)
1 Tablespoon of Maca (optional)

[Blend to a liquid.]


STRAWBERRY SHAKE
2 Ripe Frozen Organic Bananas
5 Fresh or Frozen Organic Strawberries
¼ of Cup Soaked Raw Organic Almonds and 1 Cup Water
or 1 Cup Vanilla Soy Milk
3 Pitted Organic Dates or Agave Nectar (to taste)
½ Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1 Tablespoon of Hemp or Flax Seed Oil (Optional)

[Blend to a liquid. Add ice for a thicker shake.]


MEAL OPTIONS:

Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started for lunch and dinner. Don't panic, I will post more tomorrow.

3 or 4 ORGANIC APPLES (Surprise! –Yes you can have 3 or 4 pieces of fruit as a meal)

BIG ORGANIC SALADS with My Classic Homemade Dressing
Dressing: ½ Cup of Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, 1 to 2 Grated Garlic Cloves, 1 Tablespoon Maple or Agave Nectar, 1 Cup Olive, Hemp or Canola Oil (I like them combined) and 1 Package of Dressing Mix like Good Seasons. (Shake before each use and refrigerate)

I am very excited that so many of you are willing and ready to go. Lets stay in touch, I'm here to help. PLEASE BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE FOLLOW BUTTON ON THE RIGHT, FURTHER DOWN FOR LATEST POSTS. Love & With much love, Carmen